Carlos Gonzalez, 43, of Fresno, a substitute teacher at Fresno Unified School District, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to meet a minor for sex after contacting the child through a messaging app, prompting authorities to urge potential victims to come forward. (Fresno County SO)
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A 43-year-old Fresno man identified as a certified substitute teacher with the Fresno Unified School District has been arrested for allegedly sending harmful material to a minor and attempting to meet with a child for sex, authorities said Tuesday.
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Carlos Gonzalez was taken into custody by detectives with the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations after investigators say he initiated contact with a minor on the messaging app Kik, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Kik is a free mobile platform that allows users to send messages, images, and videos anonymously using a username, rather than a phone number, authorities said.
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Detectives say they intervened and arrested Gonzalez before any in-person contact occurred.
At the time of his arrest, Gonzalez was carrying an employee ID badge from Fresno Unified, police said.
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The Fresno Unified School District released a statement on Wednesday.
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent arrest of Fresno Unified substitute teacher Carlos Gonzalez following serious allegations. Upon learning of the investigation, he was immediately blocked from our system,” a district spokesperson said. “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students. We urge families to talk to their children and report any inappropriate activities or behaviors to a trusted adult at school. Anyone with information related to this case, or anyone who believes they may be a victim, please contact Fresno County Sheriff’s Office / Detective Juliana Castano (559) 369-9217”
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Authorities said his role gave him access to numerous children, raising concerns that there may be additional victims.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information or potential victims to contact Detective Juliana Castano at (559) 369-9217.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org. The reference case number is 25-4836.
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